Celtic are eyeing their seventh consecutive Scottish Premiership title this term and are still unbeaten in all domestic competitions under former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers who was appointed as the Hoops boss last summer. The Glasgow heavyweights were three points clear at the top from second-placed Aberdeen and were confident of not ruining it during this early kick-off fixture against Ross County at Victoria Park. Celtic, clear favourites, against the Staggies, had a shaky afternoon of football but managed to grab a late winner via substitute Leigh Griffiths’, whose sensational free-kick secured all three points for the champions.
Below are the Celtic FC Players rated from their edgy win against Ross County.
Craig Gordon: 6.5
The veteran Hoops custodian impressed with his outing, making a few routine stops but remained largely untested otherwise. Had no problem to grab a clean-sheet for his side.
Mikael Lustig: 7
His header hit the side-netting in early minutes of the second half. Spent his time in the attack on most occasions, made some purposeful runs, linked up well with Forrest and Hayes, also whipped in a few crosses inside the box.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
Boyata struggled against Davis Keillor-Dunn at times but did not let the Staggies put pressure on the Hoops’ backline.
Nir Bitton: 7
Looked nervy on a few occasions but did well to partner Boyata in a makeshift central defensive role and managed to clinch a clean-sheet for his side.
Kieran Tierney: 7
Tierney looked lively as always and his runs down the left-hand flank caused troubles for the home side. But the youngster left it wide open at times and must concentrate more on his defensive responsibilities as well.
Scott Brown: 7
controlled the game in the middle of the park with his experience, hard work, and combative approach. Tried to help his attackers to break the deadlock who looked unconvincing during the majority of the game.
Stuart Armstrong: 6.5
His set-pieces, mostly corners, were inefficacious on most occasions, but the Scotsman did well to stretch the game from a deep midfield role, marched forward time and again, tried to orchestrate the game from the middle of the park and linked up effectively with fellow attackers. Earned a free-kick for his side that was converted by Griffiths late in the game to secure a win.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
Was driving from midfield to operate in advanced areas, combined well with Armstrong but could not create enough opportunities for the attackers up front. Was taken off and replaced by Jonny Hayes in the second half.
Scott Sinclair: 6
Sinclair has been stupendous for the Hoops so far this season but had a quiet evening as he failed to leave any notable impact this afternoon.
Moussa Dembele: 5
Dembele has been in fine form lately but was isolated and ineffective throughout the game. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Olivier Ntcham.
Substitutes
Jonny Hayes: 7
Hayes made a positive impact with energetic runs, link up play and dribbling skills.
Leigh Griffiths: 8
His individual mastery secured a narrow win for the visitors when he scored late from a sensational free-kick at Global Energy Stadium.
Olivier Ntcham: 7
Ntcham had an instant impact since replacing Dembele as the Frenchman’s volley from the edge of the area hit the woodwork.
